A Contra Dance Primer

• Just what’s a "Contra" Dance? (Short version)

A "Contra" is a traditional country dance form done in long lines. (The "Virginia Reel" is a Contra.) The moves are similar to square dance: swing, do-se-do, etc., but are done up and down long lines. It’s not difficult. Every dance is taught. You dance with everyone anyway, so finding partners is easy. Beginners, singles & families are all welcome. And the music is great!  Newcomers special: only $4     -- admission includes 7:30 - 8:00 instructional class!      Click here for a short video clip of a recent dance.

• Wondering what to bring and wear?, (the quick list!)   
  • Friends!!  What could be better then that?!
  • Water bottles or sports drink, electrolytes are nice!, we do have a water fountain available in town, but not in the country!  NO alcohol permitted in the dance, and only lightly partaking before is wisely advised!  
  • Clothes you can move easily in, and since you'll probably work up a light sweat too, light and wicking is a very good thing!  No special costumes are required, or for most dances, recomended.
  • Footwear that is supportive foremost, and safe to move in all directions in!  Many like semi dressy shoes (not necessarily dress shoes!) that slide easily, but still offer waking or athletic style support, or that are at least are not tacky (sticky, as in to the floor!) or tough on ladies in toeless dance shoes! (Ankle straps for any ladies heeled shoe is also well advised!)  Flip Flops will have you doing just that....
    • Leather soles are nice if you won't slip and fall on a hardwood floor, otherwise, soft foam or hard rubber that slides just a bit is an excellent choice!
  • Men might wish to bring a shirt or two extra to change into if they sweat a bit easily, and/or a towel!  Sweaty palms?  Crumple up a small sheet of non-dyed paper in each hand, leave in pockets for a quick drying between, or during the dance, and you'll be a most pleasant handshake, allemande, and courtesy turner!!
  • Everyone should bring something warm to wear that will ward off any chill after the dance, when you go out of the warm humid room into the cool clear crisp night!  
• Many of our dancers are HIGHLY sensitive to fragrances of most any kind, so natural odors are the only ones permitted, please!!

• What Is Contra Dancing? (Long Version)  (special thanks to Les Francey & Farrell Boyce of the Hamilton Country Dancers for their kind permission to reprint this very informative and well-written piece)

Contra Dancing is a form of American folk dance in which the dancers form a set of two parallel lines which run the length of the hall. Each dance consists of a sequence of moves that ends with couples having progressed one position up or down the set. As the sequence is repeated, a couple will eventually dance with every other couple in the set. Contra Dancing was all the rage in 1800.

• Is Contra Dancing Similar To Square Dancing?

Many of the basic moves in Contra Dancing are similar to those in square dancing (swings, promenades, dos-à-dos, allemandes). A square dance set comprises only four couples whereas the number of couples in a Contra Dance set is limited only by the length of the hall. To join the set, all you need is a partner. If you have danced squares, you will enjoy Contras immediately.

• What If I Have Never Danced Before?

In Contra Dancing, your feet are never asked to do more than walk to the music. Each dance is taught by the caller before it is danced. The caller continues to prompt the dancers as needed. Because the pattern of moves of each Contra Dance is repeated often, Contra Dances are easy to learn. Both beginning and experienced dancers happily share the same set.

• Why Should I Dance Contras?

Contra Dances have a relaxed, family-like atmosphere where the emphasis is on dancing, a welcome relief to noisy and smoky dance halls. The patterns of the dances are nifty. Contra Dancing is excellent exercise that you can take at your own pace. Above all, Contra Dancers form a community of friendly, active people and they welcome new dancers, be they youngsters or seniors. Most dancers range from 25 to 50 years old.

• What If I Don't Have A Partner?

No problem. Many people come to a Contra Dance alone. Dancers are encouraged to dance with many different partners throughout the evening. If there is an excess of one gender, it is customary for women to dance men's parts (and vice versa) to form couples and extend the set.

• Do I Need To Wear Special Clothes?

No. Contra Dancers tend to dress informally. Most people dress for comfort and in anticipation of vigorous exercise. Ladies prefer loose, light dresses or skirts; men wear lightweight slacks, jeans, or even shorts. Be sure to wear soft-soled, comfortable shoes.

• What Is The Music Like?

For many dancers, the live music is the great attraction. Traditional jigs, reels, and hornpipes from the Scots-Irish tradition on both sides of the Atlantic form the basic repertoire. The fiddle is often the lead instrument.

• Do I Have To Join A Club?

No. You may come and go as you please. Admission is charged to pay for the hall, the caller and the musicians. You can dance all night for less than the cost of a movie. Of course, if you find that you really enjoy Contra Dancing, you can join the Palouse Folklore Society for a very reasonable rate and get some great benefits. Click here for our membership information & form.